Adventure racing and weight lifting
 

Hey all,
My husband and I are looking to get into shape and start doing some grueling activities including, but not limited to triathalons. My question is that everyone and everything I've read says you need a retarded amount of carbs to build muscle or work out safely, carb loading and stuff. People keep saying that low carb is a dangerous way of eating when your trying to train for these things. Is it true? Or can you build muscle (not just toning, but get ripped/buff) and run miles and bike for miles without carb loading, and still staying to plan? I'm on atkins, by the way, and as you can see, I still have quite a good few pounds to lose.

There is no reason for specific concern.

When starting LC, you will find your energy levels and stamina will decrease for about 4-6 weeks. This is you body converting to burning fat. Once the switch is made you are good. You should not be able to exercise at any level.

I do not know the reference, but that have been some short studies of competitive cyclist using a LC diet with no ill effects.


The LC diets at maintenance levels is very healthy -- lots of unprocessed food, high protein/fat and much less sugar/starch. And the sugar sources are better ones.

Check out Mark Sisson's site marksdailyapple.com.

He's a primal eating/exercising guru who used to be an endurance athlete (marathons). He's got a lot of info on his site, do a few searches. One thing you'll definitely find on there is the advice to not think you can both get freakishly strong AND train for a marathon/triahtlon at the same time. You may need to choose. And yes, you're probably going to need somewhat more carbs for endurance training, so search for that too.